Emergency Medical Services
Why study Emergency Medical Services?
Expert instructors, realistic training environments, and proven partnerships with community agencies make the nationally accredited Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at COCC an immersive, challenging, and extremely rewarding education in lifesaving. From a one-year EMT certificate to a two-year Paramedicine associate degree, the rigorous EMS program covers the full scope of emergency response skills and clinical preparedness.
"It's the greatest career I could have imagined."
Students work with the latest in training equipment, such as ventilators, simulation mannequins, a unique indoor replica ambulance, and a fully operational ambulance, as they prepare for fulfilling and high-demand careers in the field of emergency services.
"St. Charles has worked closely with our COCC community partners for about 50 years," says Janice Pendroy, a clinical practice and professional development specialist at St. Charles Health System. "The EMS program trains the new generation of EMT and paramedic students. These students rotate through St. Charles' family birthing unit, emergency departments, pediatric department, and operating rooms to gain experience as part of their EMS programs."
FUTURE STUDENTS
Learn more about attending Central Oregon Community College.
Program-Specific Information
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provides comprehensive training for students interested in working in the health care field of emergency first responder that ranges from emergency medical technician to paramedic.
Our program aligns with the legal standards of practice necessary for professional licensure in the state of Oregon. After obaining your license, if you consider relocating to another U.S. state, explore our resources to understand whether your skills meet licensing requirements in different states.
Contacts
Public Service Education Department
541-383-7795
paramedicine@cocc.edu
Emergency Medical Services Directory
Michael Greene
EMS Program Director
Assistant Professor II
541-383-7751
mjgreene@cocc.edu
How to Pay for College
Our Financial Aid staff can guide you through ways to pay for college.
Learn More
COCC's Admissions Specialists provide webinars and virtual sessions to learn more about COCC.
Physical Requirements
The purpose of this statement is to make students aware of the physical requirements necessary to be successful during their education and in future workplaces.
Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science program students must be able to demonstrate the physical requirements that these occupations demand. Admission, progression and graduation are contingent upon the student’s ability to perform these essential functions (with or without reasonable accommodations).
Students must be able to perform their occupational requirements, including:
- Heavy lifting and pushing (50-180 lbs. or more)
- Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching
Emergency Medical Services clinicals include additional requirements:
- Standing and walking for prescheduled eight-, ten- or twelve-hour shifts
Fire Science additional requirements:
- There will be courses within the program that require moving, lifting and manipulating fire hoses, ladders and equipment that can weigh 50 pounds or more, while wearing 60 pounds of protective gear. An appropriate level of fitness is required to complete these tasks.
View the EMS and Fire Science standards at the following web links: